Significant Flight Cancellations Amid West Asia Tensions

The ongoing tensions in West Asia have led to significant flight cancellations, with over 4,335 flights grounded by Indian airlines and 1,187 by foreign carriers. Despite these disruptions, approximately 219,780 passengers have still traveled during this period. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized safety as the primary concern, stating that normal operations will resume only when airspace restrictions are lifted. Additionally, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation revealed that India has more than 11,000 pilots, including a notable number of women. Stay informed about the latest developments in aviation amidst these challenging circumstances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 16:03 IST

Flight Disruptions Due to Regional Crisis

New Delhi, March 16: On Monday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu reported to the Lok Sabha that numerous flights have been cancelled by both Indian and international airlines as a result of escalating tensions in West Asia.

During the sixth day of the ongoing Parliamentary Budget Session, Kinjarapu revealed that Indian airlines have cancelled over 4,335 flights, while foreign airlines have grounded approximately 1,187 flights due to the crisis.

He emphasized, “The primary concern is safety. If the airspace is closed, there is no justification for operating flights in that area.”

Despite the turmoil in West Asia, the Minister noted that a significant number of passengers have still managed to travel during this period.

“Around 219,780 passengers traveled during the heightened tensions in the region,” he added.

Naidu also mentioned that India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, along with the Aviation Ministry, is in regular communication with officials in the affected areas to keep track of the situation.

He indicated that normal flight operations will only resume once the airspace in those regions is reopened, as many areas continue to experience restrictions due to ongoing conflicts.

In related news, last week, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, announced that India has over 11,000 pilots employed by major domestic airlines, with nearly 1,900 being women.

In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 12, Mohol confirmed that Indian airlines collectively employ 11,394 pilots, including 1,871 female pilots.